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The wait is over! The time has come for today's "Smart Home" to get a whole lot smarter. It's time for your home to start thinking and making decisions to improve your life in an intelligent way.
For example, lets say you want to automatically turn a room's lights on when you enter but only if it's dark outside. Makes sense doesn't it? Well, believe it or not, that simple decision-making step was not possible - Until Now!
 With the NEW SmartMacro Software Module for New ActiveHome, your home will be able to ask questions, find answers and then make intelligent decisions all by itself. Now that's Exciting!
Imagine the Possibilities!
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Never be blinded again by bathroom lights in the middle of the night. Teach them to turn on automatically at 50% brightness when you get out of bed after 11 p.m. |
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Avoid waking up the whole family with a "Welcome Home" lighting scene that adjusts by only turning on porch and entry way lights when you arrive home late at night. |
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Make sure the video game system stays off between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - that's homework time. |
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If you detect motion outside during the day, ring the chime module. If at night, turn on exterior lights to full brightness |
All of this is now possible AND MORE!
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What Are Smart Macros?
The New SmartMacro Software Module adds "conditional capability" to macros in New ActiveHome Pro. This means you can now check one or more conditions before running a macro. And, your macro can control lights and appliances differently depending on the results. The possibilities are endless. But, before we get too far ahead let's review the basics.
What is a Macro?
A Macro is the term used to describe a series of commands. It's like a to-do list that you do in order. In X10 terms, this could mean turning on the front walkway lights, then the porch light and finally turning on the entry-way chandelier at 50% brightness.
What is a Condition?
A condition is something that must be met before doing something else. For example, if your room is clean, you can go out and play. Or, if it's after 9 p.m., turn on the porch lights. With Smart Macros, conditions can be based on time, day of year, day of week, the status of a module, a flag that has been set and other options.
Are You Already Using Smart Macros?
Many people are already taking advantage of Smart Macro technology in their home, and don't even know it. Here are a few examples of popular items that use Smart Macros to make your life easier.
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Digital Thermostat
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Clock Radio Alarm
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TiVo TV Recorder
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Keep the house temperature at 68º until 5 p.m. and then raise the temperature to 72º. |
This alarm clock can be set to wake you up every morning except on Saturday and Sunday. |
Record the Simpsons TV show, but only the new episodes. |
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Smart Macros Made Simple
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Ease of use was a requirement when we created the new ActiveHome software and Smart Macros are no different. They had to include all the advanced features you would expect but be simple enough for anyone to use.
Simple Step-by-Step Condition Wizard
Turning an ordinary macro into a Smart Macro is a snap with the step-by-step condition wizard. You'll see plain English options like "It's after the time I specify" and familiar clocks to clearly show the times you select. You'll get:
- Step-by-step guide
- Point-and-click selections
- Plain English choices
- Quick dawn/dusk settings
- Visual clock display
- Set by day, date or time
- Set by module status
- Add multiple conditions
Flexible Triggers Start Your Smart Macros
There are many ways to start a Smart Macro. Any of the following triggers can be used:
- Motion Sensors
- Remote Controls
- Plug-in Controllers
- Wireless Switches
- Touch-Tone Controller
- Timers
- Other Macros
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Click here to see more screen shots
Download
the Smart Macros manual |
Smart Macros Advanced Mode
For the power user!
When you want maximum flexibility and control, engage the Advanced Mode. This mode gives you the ability to create more complex Smart Macros that include multiple conditions using AND, OR and ELSE logic. Plus, you'll have direct access to 12 Conditional Modules and their properties.
All this and easy to use too! The traditional logic and conditions are still presented in plain English. And, the intelligent drag-and-drop interface automatically adjusts as you add Conditional Modules to clearly show your options and guide you through the process.
Click here for more info
Here are some of the typical arguments
that the Smart Macros Advanced Mode support: |
Click here to learn more about Smart Macros Advanced Mode
Download
the Smart Macros manual |
Arguments
- IF (run macro if
true)
- AND (run macro if
multiple conditions are true)
- OR (run macro if
one condition is true)
- ELSE (unlimited sequential
levels)
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Conditions
- Time (specific, range)
- Dynamic Time (dusk, dawn)
- Date (specific, range)
- Day (specific, range,
group)
- Flags
- Module Status (monitor
house code)
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